The national statistical service published changes to the consumer inflation basket on Monday.

The latest changes reflect shifts in household habits since 2016.

A total of fourteen new items were added, including jam, samp, wipes, and printer paper.

Gin is the only new inclusion in the alcoholic beverages category, reflecting its growing popularity among consumers in the country.

[THREAD] What's in and what's out! #StatsSA has updated the #CPI inflation basket, providing insight into how household spending habits have shifted since 2016.

Read more here: https://t.co/xOeJ75HF0A#StatsSA #inflation pic.twitter.com/Ny0FrgO9Ru

— Stats SA (@StatsSA) January 31, 2022

"Personal care products such as razors, wipes and make-up (foundation) made the grade as well, together with household items such as floor and wall tiles and fabric softener," said Stats SA.

"A few tweaks were also made to items already in the basket. With growth in the use of data services, the item 'internet usage' was split into wired (e.g. fibre) and wireless (e.g. cellular) forms of access. Energy-saving and traditional lightbulbs, previously listed as separate items, were amalgamated into one product following the near disappearance of incandescent bulbs.

"The item ‘pre-recorded CDs’ was renamed ‘CDs, subscription and streaming music’ to reflect the growth in consumer appetite for streaming music services."

Two items, DVD players and satellite dishes, were removed from the basket.

The inflation basket is used to calculate the consumer price index (CPI).

Jacaranda News